Just as there is a methodology of self-termination called
"suicide by cop," it's possible to see the religious concept of The
Rapture as "suicide by God." Born-again believers already know they
are headed for heaven upon their demise, but some want to hurry up the process.
"Now, now, now," shouts Will, the main character in A Bright New
Boise, more as an imperative than a prayer
that God should end his personal unhappiness through universal cataclysm. The
self-deceit behind this selfishness instead only brings earth-bound cataclysm
for this lost soul.

Aurora Theatre is introducing Bay Area audiences to
ascending playwright Samuel D. Hunter with its sterling production of A
Bright New Boise. First seen in New York in
2010, Boise presents a writer
with a keen ear for dialogue that has meaning beneath everyday banality, and a
good deal of comedy, and a talent for exploring his characters and their demons
from multiple perspectives.

The setting is the mirthless employee break room (designed
in realistic detail by Richard Olmstead) at a big-box crafts store. Will has
sought unlikely refuge there from a crisis in faith and a chance at redemption
by connecting with a son he never knew. A scandal at his small-town evangelical
church has led him on his mission to Boise, where he sets out to land a
minimum-wage job at the same store where his teenage son works. Will's hope of
quick reconciliation is dashed by Alex's anger and suspicion of this
collaborator in his adoption saga.

While trying to work under the radar at his new job, Will
still manages to tell all his co-workers of his special brand of Christianity
that elicits various nervous responses. He winces whenever the store manager
takes the Lord's name in vain, which is often, and he self-righteously rejects
the overtures of a timid co-worker to attend her warm and welcoming Lutheran
church. Alex's nihilistic stepbrother also works at the store, and he
aggressively protects the sullen Alex from the anguish Will is provoking.

Despite the grimness of the synopsis, Boise
packs in a lot of laughs, especially in the first
act, as this workplace's specific rituals are comically introduced. Gwen Loeb
helps stimulate many of these laughs with her spot-on portrayal of the Hobby
Lobby's boisterous manager of conflicting corporate loyalties. There's poor
Anna, a shy clerk with a history of failed employment who is precisely brought
to life by Megan Trout. Alex, the suddenly wanted son, is played with prickly
pain by Daniel Petzoid, and Patrick Russell, as stepbrother Leroy, revels in
the character's self-appointed role of social provocateur.

These characters are largely revealed through their
interactions with the religiously confused Will, and Robert Parsons expertly
peels away at the role's deceptive innocuousness to create a dangerously
damaged character. All this has been pulled together with grace and agility by
director Tom Ross, and provides a fine introduction to a playwright's
compelling new voice.

A Bright New Boise
will run at Aurora Theatre through Dec. 8. Tickets are $32-$50. Call (510)
843-4822.